3of 3Bicyclists, like this one on Washington Avenue recently, say they're regularly passed within inches by motor vehicles. Lobbyists are pushing for new laws.Photo: Nick de la Torre, Staff

Houston has a master plan for creating and improving bicycle and pedestrian paths, an expanding bike-sharing system and a $160 million program to redevelop trails.

But if a truck tailgates Mitch Ware or any other cyclist, there's little law enforcement can do. Unlike many other Texas cities, Houston hasn't passed a law requiring drivers to share the road.

"It happens all the time," Ware said when asked about cars crowding him on roads such as Alabama, where he rides almost every day. "You can't believe how many close calls I've had."

After Gov. Rick Perry's veto in 2009 blocked a statewide law requiring drivers to keep a minimum distance from cyclists on the road, 13 cities approved a model safe-passing law developed by cycling advocates. Dallas passed a similar measure.

The local ordinances require drivers to give bicyclists at least 3 feet of space, or 6 feet for drivers of commercial vehicles.

Supporters say the laws provide a useful tool to encourage safer driving and make more people aware cyclists have a right to the road. Though supporters said citations are rare, violation of the safe-passing laws is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $200.

"I think we figured out a long time ago we need traffic laws to make people behave," said Robin Stallings, executive director of BikeTexas, a state cycling advocacy group.

Need for a buffer

Nearly every major Texas city other than Houston has adopted a safe-passing law. In Austin and San Antonio, police officials are big supporters, and they schedule special enforcement events to make drivers aware of the law and encourage road sharing.

Stallings compared the need for safe-passing laws to Texas' "move-over" law, which requires drivers to give emergency vehicles parked on roads a buffer to increase safety.

"It makes sense for emergency workers, so it ought to make sense for our children and seniors and mothers and fathers on bicycles," Stallings said.

But despite interest from local cyclists, Stallings said he was not aware of anyone asking Houston officials to pass a safe driving law.

City officials said the issue has not been raised. They said cyclists have rights to the road just like anyone, and many city streets have bike lanes.

Houston police will respond to complaints if cyclists note a problematic area or complain about a specific incident, said spokesman John Cannon.

Officers can enforce existing cycling-related ordinances, but most of those are aimed at cyclists. City laws require any bicyclist under 18 to wear a helmet and forbid riding bikes on sidewalks in certain areas.

Expanding the rules to help protect cyclists could have merit, said City Councilman Ed Gonzalez. He said he was unfamiliar with the details of safe-passing laws, but the idea makes sense.

"In principle it would be a good tool to have in place," Gonzalez said. "It sends a message that the streets are for everybody."

Many cyclists said the law would be helpful in encouraging road sharing, but is unlikely to stop hard-core drivers.

"One of the dilemmas with something like this is there are drivers who do it on purpose," said Adam Potter, co-owner of Planetary Cycles, a bike store in the Meyerland area. "I think they are going to continue to do it with or without that law."

Legislative possibility

Safe-passing laws are only part of the effort to keep bicycle riders safe, most agreed. Stallings applauded Houston's investment in making the city more bike-friendly.

"The trail network that is being developed in Houston is fantastic," Stallings said.

Gonzalez and others have pushed for Houston to encourage "complete streets" safe for cyclists and pedestrians as well as motorists.

Commonly, complete streets include dedicated, painted bike lanes, wider sidewalks and narrower streets to avoid encouraging drivers to exceed the posted speed limit. Critics say such measures are unnecessary since most people drive.

Stallings said he expects safe-passing laws and complete streets bills to be considered in the current legislative session. Lawmakers overwhelmingly passed the safe-passing law in 2009, but they did not seek an override when Perry, saying existing law was sufficient, vetoed it.